The murder trial of Illinois teenager Kyle Rittenhouse is drawing to a close, with final arguments scheduled to take place Monday. Some on the left have threatened violence if Rittenhouse is acquitted, and authorities appear to be taking those threats seriously.
According to Kenosha News, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) is sending National Guard troops to Kenosha in preparation for the highly-anticipated verdict.
The outlet reported that approximately 500 Wisconsin National Guard soldiers are being deployed to Kenosha as part of an effort to bolster local law enforcement.
It also noted that the governor was criticized last year for failing to contain riots following the shooting of Jacob Blake. Rittenhouse claims that he was forced to shoot and kill two rioters and wound a third in self-defense.
Governor: Stay out
“We continue to be in close contact with our partners at the local level to ensure the state provides support and resources to help keep the Kenosha community and greater area safe,” Evers said in a statement.
“The Kenosha community has been strong, resilient, and has come together through incredibly difficult times these past two years, and that healing is still ongoing,” he continued.
Evers added: “I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully.”
Violence threats
The Kenosha Police Department and Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department issued a joint statement explaining preparatory steps that the two agencies are taking ahead of potential unrest.
“The Kenosha County Sheriff’s Department and the Kenosha Police Department have been and will continue to monitor the Kyle Rittenhouse trial,” the statement read.
It went on to stress how law enforcement understands “that some varying opinions and feelings revolve around the trial that may cause concerns.”
“Both of our departments have dedicated staff working in conjunction with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of our communities,” the statement promised.
Independent journalist Andy Ngo has long covered left-wing violence, and he tweeted out screenshots this week that showed individuals aligned with Antifa threatening unrest and violence if Rittenhouse is found not guilty.
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